This species is often the most conspicuous part of the vegetation in its habitat, taking up large areas of ground.

Its leaves are glossy yellow-green, oblong or lance-shaped, and toothed on the edges, and its twigs are tough and yellowish brown.

The white and sometimes pink fragrant flowers grow in spike-like clusters at the ends of the branches, blooming from early summer through September.

The brown fruit, which persists after flowering, is a distinctive feature of all Spiraea species.

Meadowsweet is a host plant for the larvae of the spring azure butterfly (Celastrina argiolus).